VOCABULARY OFTEN USED IN WRITING ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
| DESCRIPTOR | WHAT THIS COULD MEAN: |
| Identification | cite- to quote using a documentation style format; to give or refer to an example or case as proof or support
define – to give concise, clear, and authoritative meanings; (Don’t give details, but make sure to give the limits of the definition. Show how the thing you are defining differs from other things.) enumerate – to write in list or outline form, giving points concisely one by one identify – to determine the classification or existence of something; make known indicate – to point out or show evidence list (as in “enumerate,”) – to write an itemized series of concise statements mention – to speak of, say, to name or specify, usually briefly state -to present the main points in brief, clear sequence, usually omitting details, illustrations, or examples |
| Description | describe – to recount, characterize, sketch, or relate in sequence or story form
discuss – to examine, analyze carefully, and give reasons pro and con, to be thorough and give details review – to examine a subject critically, analyzing and commenting on the important statements to be made about it summarize –to give the main points or facts in condensed form, like the summary of a chapter, omitting details and illustrations diagram – to give a drawing, chart, plan, or graphic answer, or to label a diagram illustrate – to use a figure, picture, diagram, or concrete example to explain or clarify a problem sketch – to design, plan, drawing, or outline of facts with only essential features develop – to expand the ideas or features of something to a more advanced, detailed level outline: – to organize a description under main points and subordinate points, omitting minor trace – to use narrative form to describe progress, development, or historical events from some point of origin |
| Relationship | analyze – to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements, laying bare parts or pieces of individual scrutiny, so as to discover the true nature or inner relationships
compare – to look for qualities or characteristics that resemble each other, to emphasize similarities contrast – to stress the dissimilarities, differences, or unlikeness of things, qualities, events or problems. differentiate – to separate 2 or more ideas/items based on differences in features, characteristics, or classification, or to take note of differences distinguish – to note or recognize the differences or similarities between 2 or more ideas/items relate – to show how things are related to, or connected with, each other or how one causes another, correlates with another, or is like another. |
| Demonstration | demonstrate – to show or prove with support or evidence from data or examples
explain why – to clarify, interpret, and spell out the material you present, to give reasons for differences justify – to prove or give reasons for decisions or conclusions, taking pains to be convincing prove – to establish that something is true by citing factual evidence or giving clear logical reasons. show – to provide evidence or proof of an argument or to explain why support – to provide evidence to prove an argument, position, or theory |
| Evaluation | valuate – to carefully appraise the problem, citing both advantages and limitations, to emphasize the appraisal of authorities and, to a lesser degree, your personal evaluation
assess – to evaluate, measure, to estimate the value, amount, or significance of an idea, event, or data comment – to say, to provide criticism, interpretation, or a point of view criticize/critique – to express your judgment about the merit or truth of the factors or views mentioned, to give the results of your analysis of these factors, discussing their limitations and good points interpret -to translate, give examples of, solve, or comment on a subject, usually giving your judgment propose – to suggest a plan/theory/idea for a specific action or consideration, usually with detailed support to justify |
